(8) SEARCH ENGINE

Is a program which allows web user to look for specific information or documents of interest on the WWW.eg Alta vista, Google, yahoo, Netiquette, info-seek, Dog pile, Lycos, Excite, etc.

Search engines use the Boolean logic operator to facilitate the searching. Major operators -AND e.g. K and B.

-NOT e.g. Server Not Linux -Near e.g. Server near Linux (9) GOPHER

Is a menu driven program that links many internet data banks (website) into a unified information service.

(10) INTRANET

A network of networks within an organization used to share company resources and information amongst employees and departments.

(11) EXTRANET

Is an extended co-operate internet that uses WWW technology to facilitate communication with company customers, suppliers, or relevant government department.

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(12) PROTOCOL

Refers to a set of rules (program) that control the way communication is handled across the internet (data exchange between the hardware and software)

Protocol includes:

-IP = Internet protocol

Are sets of rules which provide connectionless information delivery between computer systems, though IP does not guarantee delivery of data.

-TCP = Transmission Control Protocol

Are sets of rules that provide connection oriented communications. Provide and guarantee delivery of data, and should errors occur during transmission, TCP is responsible for retransmitting the data.

Protocols that suite TCP/IP include:

1) HTTP = Hypertext Transfer protocol: Used for sending and receiving web pages to and from web server.

2) FTP = File Transfer Protocol: Used for transferring any kind of file to and from the web server.

3) SMTP = Simple Mail Transfer Protocol: Used for transferring mail massages.

Others include;

SLIP = Serial line internet protocol, and PPP = Point-to-Point Protocol, Both used for controlling network traffic over a dial-up connection.

(13) TELNET

This is a terminal emulation protocol that allows you to connect to remote computers Enables one to log on to a remote computer/machine and use it.

(14) ELECTRONIC MAIL (E- MAIL)

Is an SMS sent and received over the WWW. In order for one to send and receive E- mail he or she must have an E-mail account or address.

Elements of an E-mail account.

 User name

 Domain address.

 @ Sign between the user name and domain address.

 Pass word. A secret personal pin-code to avoid unauthorized access.

 An extension. E.g. .COM, .UK, .UG, etc.

E.g.; martovd @ yahoo .com

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User name Domain address Extension

Distinguish an E-mail account from a uniform resource locator (URL).

How to create a free mail account

 Get hooked on the net or ISP.

 Select my mail or mail icon.

 Double click new user or sign me up button to load the account application form for new user.

 Fill in user identification details/account name; pass word, location of the user, security questions, first name, last name, language, country, town/city, postal address code and zip. One should pay close attention to those details which are mandatory and those which are optional.

 Click on submit button for your account to be registered for use.

Basic E-mail features/autonomies;

In box = Lists the messages received.

Out box = Lists the messages you have composed but not sent.

Sent = Lists copies of all sent copies for reference purposes.

Send = Sends the message you have composed.

Compose = Activates the screen onto which a message to be sent is typeset.

Attachment = Helps you to attach other files and folders to accompany the directly composed message.

To = It‟s where you typeset the E-mail address of the receiver.

Subject = Subject of the message.

Cc = Enables copies of the E-mail to be sent to a third party while acknowledging other recipients.

Bcc = Enables copies of the E-mail to be sent to a third party without acknowledging any other recipients.

Advantages of electronic mails;

 Reduces paper costs and irritation.

 Provides immediate delivery feedback.

 They offer provision for attachments.

 Secured by passwords.

 E-mails can be conveniently sent to multiple recipients.

 By providing a list of senders and subjects one can prioritize on which messages to read first.

 Sending is cheaper.

 There is a possibility of multimedia mails where they can be received as voice mails and read aloud.

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 Can easily go across many time zones (continents).

Disadvantages of electronic mails;

 Emails can carry Viruses: The recipient needs to scan the mails, as viruses are transmitted through them and have the potential to harm computer systems.

 Spam and Junk: E-mails when used to send unsolicited messages and unwanted advertisements create nuisance called Spam. Checking and deleting these unwanted mails can unnecessarily consume a lot of time, and it has become necessary to block or filter the unwanted e-mails by means of spam filters.

 E-mail spoofing is another common practice. Spoofing involves deceiving the recipient by altering the e-mail headers or the addresses from which the mail is sent.

 Hacking and email interception: The act of unauthorized attempts to bypass the

security mechanisms of an information system or network is termed as hacking. After the e-mail is sent and before it is received by the desired recipient, it "bounces" between servers located in different parts of the world. Hence, the e-mail can be intercepted by a professional hacker.

 Misinterpretation: One has to be careful while posting any kind of content through an e-mail. If typed in a hurry, the matter could be misinterpreted.

 Since the content posted via e-mails is considered informal, there is a chance of business documents going unnoticed. Thus, urgent transactions and especially those requiring signatures are not managed through e-mails.

 Crowded inbox: Over a period of time, the e-mail inbox may get crowded with mails. It becomes difficult for the user to manage such a huge chunk of mails.

 Need to check the inbox regularly: In order to be updated, one has to check his e-mail account regularly, which may be expensive in the long run.

 Email cannot be used without computers especially in remote areas without electricity

 In case one forgets his/her password, signing in is not possible and this can lead to loss of information.

 Email may violate privacy in case someone else gets to know your user password since the other may check your mails.